The Chrysalid Conspiracy

by A. J. Reynolds

  She, Caz and Claire had shaken off the shadows of the conspiracy and its menacing implications. Amelia, however, was still trying to decipher the Professor’s book.

  Having isolated the paragraphs that corresponded to the prime numbers, she was now reading the actual message and it was scaring the hell out of her. She was unable to decide on a course of action, and the nearer she got to the end she found more and more reasons for not reading.

  Valentine’s Day was fast approaching. The continued pressure of working in the shop, school, homework, the gymnasium and running, as well as her morning and evening routine with her mother, was beginning to take its toll on Amelia, by the time she got to bed each evening after her full and hectic day she was extremely tired and it was becoming difficult to maintain her perspective. It wasn’t like her to procrastinate and she wondered if she was losing her nerve.

  She coped well but knew she was relying on her perseverance and determination more than her energy and strength. There was no time to recover for the next day. She tried to talk to Rayn about her feelings, but to compound the problem she’d noticed a subtle change in their relationship.

  Rayn spent a lot of time with Carrieanne and her sister, and it was becoming apparent that they only included her, Amelia, when they needed her advice or opinions. This worried her because she could see a gap opening up between ‘them’ and ‘her’. And she didn’t like it much.

  Love Week, as Bridie called it, was the best they had ever had. Lucy had reduced the cut flowers and sold only special orders, turning more space over to Bridie and Sambo, realising that her customers wanted something unusual. She had also started selling her precious Bonsai trees, which prior to then, had been just for display only. She had concentrated her efforts on potted plants and shrubs from her green house (and a few continents with exotic climates).

  Bridie had refused to compromise and stuck to her original style and, between her and Sambo, they had drawn the customers in. The big success of the week was, unbelievably, Molly. She had designed and made different sizes and styles of heart-shaped boards, and covered them with red silk padding to which she pinned two crossed roses, or whatever the customer wanted. Rayn, who had shown her how to do the silk padding, spent most of that last Saturday in Lucy’s workshop making them as fast as she could.

  By the time the shop closed that day everyone was too exhausted to celebrate and Lucy was in bed early. Amelia lay on the living room sofa to rest for a few minutes, but fell asleep and knew nothing till Sunday morning.

  She was up early and after a vigorous shower, she cooked a full breakfast. She and her mother were starving and they lingered for a while free of pressure.

  Amelia felt refreshed and more energetic than she had for ages. She felt that, apart from her still slightly bruised face, she had regained some of her younger, less troubled self.

  “And what are you doing today?” Lucy asked her daughter.

  “Molly wants to try her first distance run. Rayn and I are taking her to Warem Down and back to see how she gets on,” answered Amelia.

  “Will she make it?” enquired her mother.

  “Oh yes,” Amelia assured her. “It might take her some time to recover, but she’ll be okay. We’re going straight down to Bridie’s when we get back. Nigel and the boys are setting up the gear and getting the barbecue ready. Do you mind, Mum?” she asked.

  “No, not at all,” came the reply. “In fact, I may have a surprise for you later.” Amelia knew it would be an exercise in futility to push for more details.

  “Oh well,” she replied instead. “Now we have to get ready for Mother’s Day, I suppose.”

  “Don’t remind me,” her mother laughed. “It’ll take a while to get over this year’s Valentines. What a week that was.”

  ***

  During the run to Warem Down Amelia felt better than ever. Her body responded to everything she asked of it with relish. Rayn and Molly seemed to be running together and she caught a few odd glances and the occasional giggle. She chose to ignore it and enjoy the day, which was still unusually warm and sunny for the middle of winter. Some bees were moving around and some small but flowering daffodils poked their heads up out of the carpet of dried winter leaves.

  Molly did the run well and when they got back to the caravan site Amelia was speechless. The place was hardly recognisable.

  A long wooden table had been covered with sheets and a motley collection of chairs and benches had been pulled around it. The barbecue was in full swing, with Bridie and Antonio, wearing chef’s whites, nurturing an array of meats and fish like a couple of doting foster parents, closely supervised by Jude and Gypsy. Sambo and Lorraine appeared from the caravan carrying trays of drinks.

  George and Nigel were competing with the archery equipment; Caz and Claire were pampering a contented Horace with a wash and brush-up, while Zac and Miles were feeding the rabbits.

  And there, at one end of the table, stood Lucy’s carver chair with her mother sitting relaxed, with a warm blanket over her knees and a huge smile on her face. The tears of surprise and pleasure ran freely down Amelia’s face as she hugged her.

  “What’s the occasion?” she called out.

  “Don’t know. It just seemed like a good idea,” replied George.

  “Barbecue’s up, come and get it,” shouted Bridie and the party got going.

  Amelia had an immense sense of gratitude and love as she watched her mother laughing and clapping as Sambo and Lorraine danced and sang to the music of his mouth organ.

  Bridie received a mixed response when she called out, “It’s not Sinatra, but it’s better than rap.”

  “Is that rap with a capitol ‘C’?” Amelia responded, and even her mother had a good giggle.

  When Rayn and Claire came wandering out of the woods, Amelia noticed that Carrieanne had seen them. She looked angry, so Amelia called out.

  “Did you see any squirrels, Rayn?” She caught on fast.

  “Yeah, loads of them,” she called back.

  “Squirrels?” said Carrieanne. “Why didn’t you take me?”

  “Sorry, they’ve gone back to bed now. Next time, maybe?” answered her sister.

  “Well, come and help me with Horace then.” She said, “we’re nearly done.”

  “Beats polishing silver,” said Claire as she joined her in the paddock to help dress him in his show harness.

  Rayn walked over to join Amelia and they leaned on the five bar gate. “Thanks Amelia,” said Rayn quietly. “I thought we’d had it that time.”

  “I didn’t do it for you. I did it so as not to spoil the day. You know how I feel about smoking,” was Amelia’s reply. Rayn looked guilty and this time didn’t try to defend herself with some humorous remark.

  George materialised beside them. He had a smile on his face and a can of lager in his hand.

  “Hello Granddad,” said Amelia. “How are you doing?”

  “Who won the archery competition?” asked Rayn.

  “Oh, it wasn’t a competition as such. Me and Nigel we’re just comparing techniques more than anything,” said George.

  “So Nigel won then,” said an astute Rayn.

  “Okay, yes he did. His eyes are still good.” George laughed, enjoying being caught out.

  “I’m so grateful for all this, Granddad. Thank you so very much,” said Amelia.

  “Don’t look at me,” said George, in mock surprise. “It was just an idea. Nigel and those two did all the work.” He indicated Bridie and Antonio. “All I have to do is hang around and enjoy the day.”

  “We want to thank you anyway.” Rayn told him with a smile. “Whatever’s happening, you’re always somewhere in the middle of it.” He accepted her hug and kiss with delight.

  Amelia stepped back, her mind in disarray. What? she said to herself as ‘something’ nudged her mind. Rayn was looking at her, her face asking a question. Amelia was aware of that now familiar feeling that something was about happen and she gave Rayn a slight nod of asse
nt.

  Rayn stepped forward and gave George a hug and kiss on the cheek. “Thank you, Uncle Stephen,” she said. “I forgive you,” and she walked away before he could react.

  “What was that all about?” he asked Amelia.

  “It’s okay, Granddad. She knows when she’s being lied to,” Amelia replied in a steady, even voice. “She knew within about five seconds of meeting you.”

  “And you?” George submitted.

  “I saw Bridie’s face the first time she saw you,” she replied and, for the first time, she noticed she had grown taller than him.

  “And where has this revelation taken you then?” His eyes searching her face.

  “Oh, we put it together with a few other bits and pieces. We’ve actually come up with a theory.” Amelia smiled at him, more confident now.

  “Well, what’s this theory then? Are you going to tell me?” He sounded not desperate, but at least on the defensive.

  “Oh Granddad, if there’s nothing to it we’ll just look like a couple of stupid kids. On the other hand, if it’s true, it means that a lot of people have not been very truthful with us. I don’t think it would be very prudent to be forthcoming just yet, do you? I mean, you could deny everything and pull out the strait jackets. No, let’s leave things as they are and see where it all goes.”

  George hurried over to the table and pulling up a chair beside Lucy he started talking intently. Amelia pulled Rayn to one side and enthused over her decision.

  “I’m sorry, Amelia. The idea just hit me, you know, to make something happen. But I didn’t know…”

  “It’s okay,” cut in Amelia. “I heard you loud and clear. It worked. We got to him.”

  “And you don’t mind?”

  “I thought it was a stroke of genius. Just the right amount at just the right time,” answered Amelia.

  “I didn’t know whether I should or if you would approve,” said Rayn.

  “Hey, I’m not in charge of anything. Go with your instincts,” retorted Amelia, getting quite angry. Rayn looked at her. Her face softened and she smiled.

  “You still don’t know, do you?” she said.

  “Know what?” snapped back Amelia. Rayn’s next move took her by surprise. She reached out and put her arms around her in a long hug and whispered in her ear.

  “Don’t worry, my very, very best friend. You’ll get there,” and she went across to have a word with Horace.

  ***

  It was the following Thursday that Amelia and Rayn arrived back from a particularly bad day at school, just in time for Molly to leave and collect the twins.

  Lucy told them that Bridie and Antonio wouldn’t be back till late. Bridie had to buy some more craft materials and she and Antonio were having a night out. Rayn was to stop over. Amelia made a crack about being an experienced babysitter, which earned her a thump in the ribs.

  “Rayn, dear,” said Lucy. “Would you pop over to the bakery and pick up some baguettes? They’re short-staffed and can’t deliver. Here’s some money. Oh, and get some of those doughnuts, I’m starving.”

  “Sounds good to me,” answered Rayn, and Amelia put the kettle on.

  Rayn left and Lucy went back to her workshop. Amelia headed for the kitchen. Hearing the shop door open, she went back into the shop to serve.

  For a brief moment Amelia felt as if she’d stepped through some kind of time warp as she set eyes on the elderly woman standing inside the door. At least at first glance Amelia thought she was elderly. She was tall, straight and slim, dressed in a long ‘Mary Poppins’ style black frock coat with lace ruffs at the sleeves and collar. Amelia smiled at her out-moded fashion

  The woman’s hair was no less than breath-taking, jet black with a few greying streaks it was rich and lavish, piled up on top and tumbling down her back. Two Greco-Roman ringlets framed her face, a face that held Amelia’s eyes like a magnet.

  There were small wrinkles at her eyes, but the rest of her face was smooth with clear-cut features, like a porcelain doll that Amelia had once owned. Delicate and refined, but at the same time strong and mystical.

  Her complexion was dusky with perceptible Arabian origins, with clear bright eyes that made anyone who met her feel they were the centre of her universe.

  The thing that held Amelia to the spot was her awesome beauty. Ageless, with a depth that went beyond self-image.

  Amelia struggled to find her voice. “Er… can I… er…” she stuttered as her usual cool deserted her.

  The woman smiled. “Hello. You must be Amelia.” There was no trace of an accent and Amelia felt she was bathed in warm relaxing sunshine.

  “You know me?” she managed to say.

  “Oh no, but I know of you. Is Dr Jaxson in?”

  Amelia was shocked. She knew her mother’s prefix was a well-kept secret. Every one of Amelia’s senses, even her new one came in to focus, forming nothing less than a complete blank.

  “Yes, certainly. I’ll tell her you’re here.” Her usual defensive response to ask who she was completely frozen.

  At that moment Rayn burst through the door. “Hey, guess who I’ve just seen outs…” She stopped short as she saw the woman. Her face turned to stone and her mouth remained locked open.

  “Hello Rayn, nice to meet you,” said the woman. Rayn’s expression didn’t change. She just stared. Amelia realised that the woman must be used to this reaction, and was even more pleased to realise that her brain had started working again as she tapped on the workshop door. “There’s somebody to see you, Mum.” she called.

  “Oh, Amelia, can’t you deal with it?” Lucy sounded exasperated.

  “I’m afraid not, Mum.” adding for emphasis, “In fact, most definitely not.”

  The door opened and Lucy came wheeling out muttering about how Amelia knew how busy she was. She stopped dead as she caught site of her visitor. The woman smiled again. “Hello Lucy.” She said.

  Lucy’s face lit up like a child’s at the first site of a Christmas tree; Total wonderment. “Dr Barrenborn!” she cried. “Maddy. What on earth?” Lucy had a huge grin of pleasure on her face.

  “Nice to see you again, Lucy. I’m glad to see you looking so well. How’s everything?” purred Dr Barrenborn.

  “Oh, how wonderful! You remember Amelia? She’s a bit bigger now.”

  “Of course, she’s beautiful. Congratulations.”

  “Oh God, Maddy. It’s been ages. Where have you been? What have you been up to? Tell me everything.” Lucy was so excited at seeing her friend again.

  “You know me. I’ve been on my travels again. I’ve just got back from the Antarctic,” the lady said with a grimace.

  “But you hate the cold, Maddy,” said Lucy.

  “Tell me about it. But still, needs must. Actually I’m in a bit of a hurry. I just called in to see if you could help me out,” she said.

  “Of course, anything. I owe you so much. What is it?” replied Lucy.

  “I have a tree that’s not feeling well and, as you’re the best in the business, I thought I’d ask you. Plus, I just wanted to see you again.”

  “What tree is it?” said Lucy, accepting the compliment.

  “It’s a Ginko Biloba, a Bonsai.”

  For a moment Amelia couldn’t believe her eyes as she saw her mother’s expression widen, not in surprise but excitement, and the younger face she remembered showed through. “Is it..?”

  “Yes Lucy, Our data exchange system has worked well but this time it needs the personal touch. It’s right on the edge. I can send it over if that’s all right with you, But not today. I’ve moved back into the Hall and I only have my housekeeper to drive.”

  “Yes, yes of course,” Lucy’s eyes shone with the shadow of tears, “As soon as you like.” and she seemed to Amelia to be on the verge of an overload of euphoria “I already have one in my greenhouse. Is this one actually..?”

  “Oh yes. It’s the first real success, it just needs a check-up to make sure.” responded Doctor Barrenborn, and although
she kept her smile steady Amelia could detect a considerable leakage of exhilaration. “Thank you so much, Lucy,” she said. “I have to go.” She turned and looked around the shop. “This is quite beautiful, Lucy. Do I detect a touch of Gibberlin?”

  Lucy smiled. “Just a touch. But I had to tweak it a bit.”

  They said their reluctant goodbyes, with Dr Barrenborn saying she would send her tree over, and they must get together soon.

  When she had gone, Lucy couldn’t stop talking. She explained that Maddy had been her tutor for her PhD work. She had been invaluable after the accident, helping her to adjust and accept her situation, and was a true friend.

  “I can’t get over her,” said Amelia. “She’s so…” she searched for the words. “So regal.”

  “Yeah,” said Rayn, her voice a little flat. “What’s that gibber stuff she mentioned?”

  “Oh that,” replied Lucy. “That’s my magic. It’s a fungus extract that enhances growth. I jazzed it up a bit to prolong shelf life for the cut flowers and to promote growth with the potted plants. I even added a little something for extra colour and to enhance fragrance. I don’t know that it’s strictly legal, but it works, and nobody has died yet.”

  “Any one hungry?” asked Rayn. She seemed strangely unimpressed with the good Dr Barrenborn. “I’m starving.”

  When Amelia had closed up and Lucy had retreated to her workshop to ‘finish a few things up’, Rayn followed her into the kitchen.

  “Okay,” said Amelia, sipping her coffee. “You first.”

  “Sorry to burst your bubble old friend, but that regal creature was lying her backside off.”

  “Really?” said Amelia. “You surprise me. What about?”

  “I don’t know, really. They were both hiding something under all that guff,” Rayn warned her. “Also, on my way in I saw a dirty big black car parked round the corner. I know it was hers, I watched it driving away.”

  “And?”

  “The driver was Miss Collins.”

  “Ouch!” Amelia gasped. “That puts our dear doctor right smack in the middle of Tetherington Hall.

  “More like a spider in the middle of a web, don’t you think?” followed up Rayn.